Rear Louver latch

[vpogv]

I have seen a few ways to latch down the rear louvers and since one member is working through this now I wanted to throw out a few ideas that I have seen or believe that would work. Feel free to add what you have done.

1. Hood pins. Let's face it they aren't always pretty but they work. Quick-latch.com sells some sleek ones but you do pay for them.


2. Stainless catches. Typically used for cabinets but they can hold well and are small enough to not be an eye sore. Just search Google for options using "stainless catches." Some are even have adjustable tension.

Here are a few that jumped out.

 

[islandman]

Mine may not be to everyones taste, but they securely lock the louvre with a remote pull to unlock it inside the car. Once closed they cannot be seen

 

[Brett Proctor]

You going to tell us where you got it from or is it a secret

(Not meant to be taken as a negative reply)

 

[RangerBEH]

I like those latches too, they look solid and a pull release doesn't sound like a bad idea.

 

[islandman]

You going to tell us where you got it from or is it a secret

(Not meant to be taken as a negative reply)

No secret, just couldn't remember when i posted what they were off, I had to rack my brains which car I got them from. They were Fiat Tipo front door bear catches. The locks themselves were pretty chunky, and I made up a V-Shaped block of fibreglass filler as an additional mount (first incarnation was wood) to get them to sit vertically for the pins to engage correctly from the louvre.

Once I got them all lined up correctly with the Louvre gas rams fitted the louvre pops open when I pull the handle inside the cockpit behind the drivers seat without needing to be lifted, which is kind of cool given everything pops up automatically like the canopy.

Just hunt round any car for front in the yards for front door catches that are not recessed behind the door itself. If you find some that were bolted on the outside like these they should do the job. The added bonus is that they will all have remote release capability.

edit.... just did a quick search for a picture and found this, this is what they look like without the extra spacer I made up. So it was a Fiat Uno rather than Tipo

FIAT UNO TURBO MK1 DOOR LOCK LATCH CATCH LEFT SIDE NEW GENUINE FIAT 5941516 | eBay

 

[islandman]

I'm sure if a mount / enclosure was made these type of catches which perform the same way. And even better they have different size models

Mini Bear Claw Latches Pair - Car Builder Solutions - Kit Car Parts and Accessories

Large Bear Claw Door Latches Pair - Car Builder Solutions - Kit Car Parts and Accessories

Micro Bear Claw Latch - Car Builder Solutions - Kit Car Parts and Accessories

Striker For Mini In-Line Bear Claw Latch - Car Builder Solutions - Kit Car Parts and Accessories

 

[Brett Proctor]

Would be nice if we had a place like Car Builders Solutions here in the States.

 

[islandman]

Would be nice if we had a place like Car Builders Solutions here in the States.

They ship internationally *thumbs up*

 

[Peter]

They ship internationally *thumbs up*

Indeed they do, much to my satisfaction.

David, yours were the catches I suggested on the Brett's other thread, just couldn't remember who it was.

 

[ydeardorff]

My louvers (which are now sold) used this:


Spring Loaded Cabinet Door Catch



It was simple and cheap. (no idea what they came from)

Then it appeared as though the lifting struts were taken from higher end tool chest lids like this:

Stuccu: Best Deals on Tool Box Gas Struts Buy Exclusive Deals 70 OFF Save Big Lowest Price On Tool Box Gas Struts Best In Stock Fast Free Shipping. Up To 70% off!

Mine were pretty short, maybe 12" or so. but they come in sizes down to I think 6 or 8 inches too.

 

[Brett Proctor]

Those struts are pretty cool.

They fit the scale of the car

Might have to check them out

 

[vpogv]

Brilliant! Never thought about toolboxes.